A Dutch fourth-division referee who celebrated the championship with the winning team has been permanently banned from the sport.
The Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) has placed a lifelong suspension on Opmeer, North Holland, referee Jan Smit for his actions.
As per a local media report, the 61-year-old officiated the game between St. George and SV De Valken on Sunday.
After Smit had added 15 extra minutes to the game’s 90, St. George goalkeeper Dave Laan scored the game’s winning goal in stoppage time, as Smit’s actions appeared to have helped with this.
During regulation time, SV De Valken had four players sent off and finished with eight on the field.
Smit got up on the podium, sang songs, and raised the trophy to celebrate St. George’s victory, which raised suspicions of dubious officiating.
De Valken then complained to the Dutch authorities, who punished the 61-year-old official with a ban.
Smit, however, questioned the decision and said,
“I just sang a song and held up the trophy once. That’s the only thing. I find it too sad for words,” he told NH Nieuws.
